This Blog is a resource of information for the residents of Arizona. To help homeowners and commercial businesses understand their personal roof needs.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

If you missed the interview with Chris Lundahl (President of Arizona Roofing Systems) August 23, 2011 on KFNX News Talk Radio 1100, There is no need to worry we have the Q&A here on our blog! Chris was asked several questions that might better help you understand your roofing needs and what to do during monsoon season or any other storm that approaches your home.

Carol Blonder of KFNX News Talk Radio:

Q: Arizona Roofing Systems has been around for a long time, what types of roofing does your company specialize in Chris?

A: We specialize in all fields of roofing, we do repair and re-roof. We work on shingles, tiles, foam, coatings, metal, flat roofs, IB, PVC, shake roofs, and whatever your roof needs.

Q: Why do I need my
roof inspected by a Licensed Roofing Contractor and how much does it cost?

A: A licensed roofing contractor will be able to see the damage and identify it properly, our trained staff will find and document the damage and show it to the home owner, all FREE of cost.

Q: How long do I
have to make a claim on my roof for hail damage.

A: In most cases insurance companies give owners a year to file their claim, in the case for the Arizona hail storm last year everyone has 2 years in normal cases to file their claim, but you may be eligible long after.

Q: What if the insurance adjuster checked my roof and said there was no damage?

A: If the adjuster says there was no damage, get it double checked by a roofing expert. We have filed many claims that initially the adjuster had said there was no damage and the end result was a brand new roof. When a representative from Arizona Roofing Systems meets with the adjuster they show them the damage they have found and resolve with the insurance company not to play games and to properly file the claim.

Q: Why should we
call Arizona Roofing Systems

A: Arizona Roofing Systems is dedicated to making your home safe and protected by a good sturdy roof. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. We have A+ ratings with the BBB and guarantee our work and your satisfaction!

Many flat
foam roofs in our community have sustained hail damage from the storm on Oct 5th,
2010. This damage will not always
manifest itself for years, but surely the damage has occurred and the roof life
is compromised.

If your flat
foam roof has sustained hail damage, you are about to embark on an interesting
journey. Because of the Oct 5th hail storm, insurance companies are
experiencing heavy payouts for losses incurred from the storm. For this reason it is wise to use a local
company that has the experience necessary to perform the repairs.

Adjusters
are trying to hold the line on settlements. The rapid rising material prices
only complicate the situation. As an owner and/or property manager, you should insist
on having a professional roofing contractor to negotiate with the adjustor. Foam flat roofs are hard for adjusters to
estimate.

Many claims
adjusters come into our state having no experience with flat Poly Urethane foam
roofs. Many do not understand the damage
caused to foam roofs by hail. Some foam roofs need to be torn off to the
deck. Many foam roofs need what is known
as a caulk and coat.

Many
factors are involved with determining the method of repair and/or replacement. Only experienced Poly Urethane applicators
can determine how to proceed. Moisture
meters are essential to determine which direction the contractor should recommend
to the owner.

When it
comes to selecting a contractor in the aftermath of a storm, “caution” is the
key word. Many “storm chasers” flock to areas of damage, and do as much work as
possible before they leave for the next storm.

Some of
these are legitimate, responsible companies that have chosen this way of doing
business. Some set up partnerships with local contractors to get the work done
much more quickly. This can be a legitimate way of doing business, as long
as the local contractor will take care of any problems that occur after the
storm chaser leaves.

However,
there will be plenty of unscrupulous fly-by-night contractors that you need to
be aware of. Don’t get caught in the trap.
You don’t want completive bids to do insurance work. Work with one
contractor and let that contractor do the work with your insurance
companies. You will end up with a better
job. You will also get more repair work done.
Keep one thing in mind, INSURANCE
ADJUSTERS ARE NOT YOUR BUDDIES! REMEMBER
WHO THEY WORK FOR! YOU NEED SOMEONE LOOKING AFTER YOUR BEST INTRESTS.

When it
is time for you to have your flat, shingle, tile, metal and foam roof inspected
please consider using a local contractor.
Check the BBB and the Arizona Registrar of Contractor. Make sure the company is licensed, Bonded and
Insured. Use a company that is well
established in the community, preferably in business for over 10 years. Arizona Roofing Systems, Inc. would be happy
to work with you. Call us today
480-218-8888

Another
tactic employed with steep-sloped roofs is to only pay for the elevation that
the majority of the hail hit. Unfortunately, the manufacturer will not maintain
any extended warranties on the portion of the roof that is not replaced -
especially with shingles but even with metal roofing.

For
example, let’s say that yours is a 30-year shingle roof into its fifth year of
life. If the hail hit and damaged only the north elevation of your
property, and the insurance company maintains that it will replace only the
north elevation, you need to check with the manufacturer of the shingles to see
if they will maintain the warranty on the portion of the roof that isn’t
replaced.

These and
many other negotiating tactics can and will be employed by many insurance
adjusters. Your professional roofing contractor can help you navigate the murky
waters of storm damage negotiation.

Also, if
your properties are insured by an affiliate of FM Global (formerly Factory
Mutual Research Corporation, commonly referred to as “FM”), you need to know
that FM has recently changed the requirements for application of roof
coverings. These rules will, in some cases, severely limit the type of roof
that can be installed - and significantly affect costs. Check with your
contractor about these requirements. If you use a specifyer and an FM
affiliate does not insure your building, be skeptical if they want to use FM
requirements for the installation of your new roof.